Wilko54321
New member
Hi, I’m looking to refurb the old Nicholson bench that came with our house. Stored in an unheated shed. In Barking, so materials need to be delivered as I don’t have car.
The old one is not level due to wear. I want a flatter surface to work on for glue ups etc. Bench is 1500mm long by 640mm wide, top is ~42mm thick front/back and ~22mm in the middle. Frame is old actual sized 2x4. Top pieces are nailed down. I’m looking to add a stretcher at the back, braces under the ends and new vice jaws.
I’ve got a track saw, decent range of power and hand tools etc., but I don’t have large shop stuff like a planer/table saw. I had thought of stretcher brackets underneath, coach screws or fixed down with recessed washer head screws.
Any other replacement work surface suggestions or fixing options?
Option 1 - Single piece hardwood plywood top with 2-3 layers of 18mm glued together and edged
Option 2 - glue together 44 x44mm redwood to only replace the worn front piece and plane to size
The old one is not level due to wear. I want a flatter surface to work on for glue ups etc. Bench is 1500mm long by 640mm wide, top is ~42mm thick front/back and ~22mm in the middle. Frame is old actual sized 2x4. Top pieces are nailed down. I’m looking to add a stretcher at the back, braces under the ends and new vice jaws.
I’ve got a track saw, decent range of power and hand tools etc., but I don’t have large shop stuff like a planer/table saw. I had thought of stretcher brackets underneath, coach screws or fixed down with recessed washer head screws.
Any other replacement work surface suggestions or fixing options?
Option 1 - Single piece hardwood plywood top with 2-3 layers of 18mm glued together and edged
Option 2 - glue together 44 x44mm redwood to only replace the worn front piece and plane to size
![IMG_4501.jpeg IMG_4501.jpeg](https://cdn.imagearchive.com/ukworkshop/data/attach/178/178458-IMG-4501.jpeg)
![IMG_4506.jpeg IMG_4506.jpeg](https://cdn.imagearchive.com/ukworkshop/data/attach/178/178459-IMG-4506.jpeg)